Agricultural Apparatus With Hydraulic Cylinder And Manifold For A Row Unit

ABSTRACT

An agricultural row unit includes an attachment frame adapted to be rigidly connected to a towing frame. A linkage assembly is pivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement of the linkage assembly relative to the attachment frame. A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to the linkage assembly for urging the linkage assembly downwardly toward the soil. A hose connection manifold is mounted adjacent to the hydraulic cylinder for circulating hydraulic fluid between a hydraulic source and the hydraulic cylinder. The hose connection manifold has a plurality of ports including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a valve port, the inlet port being adapted to receive an inlet hose, the outlet port being adapted to receive an outlet hose, and the valve port being adapted to receive an end of a hydraulic control valve.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/758,979, filed on Feb. 4, 2013, for an “Agricultural Apparatus WithIntegrated Controller For A Row Unit” (Attorney Docket No.250600-000062USP3), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/561,934, filed on Jul. 30, 2012, for a“Hydraulic Down Pressure Control System For Closing Wheels Of AnAgricultural Implement” (Attorney Docket No. 250600-000062USP2), whichis a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/075,574, filed on Mar. 30, 2011, for a “Hydraulic Down PressureControl System For Closing Wheels Of An Agricultural Implement”(Attorney Docket No. 250600-000062USP1), which is a continuation-in-partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/882,627, filed Sep. 15, 2010, for“Row Unit for Agricultural Implement” (Attorney Docket No.250600-000062USPT), each of which is incorporated herein in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to agricultural implements and, moreparticularly, to an agricultural apparatus with a manifold having orlacking a hydraulic control valve.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As an agricultural planter row unit travels across fields with variablesoil types, soil moisture, residue levels and topography, it isdifficult to maintain constant seed depth and other parameters due tochanging conditions which would ideally require varying the row unitdown force pressure. For example, farming with higher residue levelsalso requires higher row unit down force levels as row cleaners,coulters and other attachments require applied force to keep them in theground and at consistent depths.

At the same time, in many locations there are immoveable rocks or otherobstructions at or below the soil surface which require the planter rowunit to be able to quickly and freely (without undue increase in the rowunit down force) rise up and over the obstruction freely and thenquickly move back down, leaving a minimum amount of the row unplanted.All this must be accomplished at ground speeds of 6 mph or more. Today'splanters typically include many individual row units, at times up to 120ft wide, each of which may be encountering rocks etc. or have a need tofloat up or down independently.

Traditionally springs have been used to urge row units downward.Recently air bag systems have been used to overcome some of thedrawbacks to air spring systems. Air systems provide a more uniform downforce through the vertical range of travel, compared to springs, and aresomewhat easier to adjust than springs. However due to thecompressibility of air and the relatively large volumes required,changes in air pressure are very cumbersome and not adaptable to veryfast change and response to in-cab controls on the go. Air bag systemstypically have a very large cross-sectional area in relation to the hosefeeding the air spring with pressure, which can provide a largemultiplication of force and allow for relatively good isolation of onerow unit relative to another. However, air bag systems typically do notallow for rapid change of the force being applied, because of the largevolume of the air spring in relation to the cross section of the hosesupplying the air.

Prior attempts to use devices such as combination spring/hydraulic shockabsorbers do not provide ready adjustment on the go and tend to increasein force when rapidly striking a foreign object such as a rock requiringthe row unit to quickly rise and come back down to resume planting. Thisincrease in force levels can cause damage to the planter row unitcomponents.

Some previous down-force systems use a spring and a hydraulic cylinderin series. In these systems the hydraulic cylinder does not directlycontrol row unit down force, but rather is used to vary the amount ofspring pressure applied to each unit.

Other systems use hydraulics with a central accumulator. However, withthe accumulator separated from the force creating cylinder, pressurespikes can develop when hitting obstructions such as a rock at highspeed since oil must be forced through hoses or tubes to the remotelylocated accumulator. This is especially problematic on planters having50 or more row units.

As computers and GPS systems have allowed crop production to be managedin a location-specific way as an implement moves through the field, ithas become necessary to achieve more rapid changes in the setting oradjustment of the implement. In the case of a planter row unit, it isalso necessary to generate a large amount of force. Each individualplanter row unit must be able to react to the soil it encountersindependently of the other row units.

An air spring can allow for remote adjustment of the planter downpressure without stopping the forward motion of the implement, which isinefficient. Mechanical springs have historically required that theoperator stop the implement, get out of the tractor, and make a manualadjustment. The slow rate at which an air spring system can be inflatedor deflated means that even if a GPS system determines that a changeneeds to be made because of a programmed or sensed change in the localsoil composition or conditions, by the time the pump can change the airpressure the implement has already moved too far forward of where thechange needed to be made. This forces the average grid size in whichactive adjustments of the planter down pressure can be made to be quitelarge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, an agricultural row unit includes an attachment frameadapted to be rigidly connected to a towing frame. A linkage assembly ispivotably coupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivotingmovement of the linkage assembly relative to the attachment frame. Ahydraulic cylinder is coupled to the linkage assembly for urging thelinkage assembly downwardly toward the soil. A hose connection manifoldis mounted adjacent to the hydraulic cylinder for circulating hydraulicfluid between a hydraulic source and the hydraulic cylinder. The hoseconnection manifold has a plurality of ports including an inlet port, anoutlet port, and a valve port, the inlet port being adapted to receivean inlet hose, the outlet port being adapted to receive an outlet hose,and the valve port being adapted to receive an end of a hydrauliccontrol valve.

In another embodiment, an agricultural system includes a hydraulicsource for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid, a towing frameattachable to a towing vehicle, and a first row unit and a second rowunit attached to the towing frame. The first row unit includes a firsthydraulic cylinder for urging the first row unit downwardly toward thesoil, and a first hose connection manifold mounted adjacent the firsthydraulic cylinder for circulating hydraulic fluid between the hydraulicsource and the first hydraulic cylinder. The first hose connectionmanifold is a valve-less manifold. The second row unit includes a secondhydraulic cylinder for urging the second row unit downwardly toward thesoil, and a second hose connection manifold mounted adjacent the secondhydraulic cylinder for circulating hydraulic fluid between the hydraulicsource and the second hydraulic cylinder. The second hose connectionmanifold includes a hydraulic control valve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may best be understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a planting row unit attached to a towingframe.

FIG. 2 is a partially sectioned side elevation of the planting row unitof FIG. 1 with the linkage that connects the row unit to the towingframe in a level position.

FIG. 3 is the same side elevation shown in FIG. 1 but with the linkagetilted upwardly to move the row unit to a raised position.

FIG. 4 is the same side elevation shown in FIG. 1 but with the linkagetilted downwardly to move the row unit to a lowered position.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the hydraulic cylinder and accumulator unitincluded in the row unit of FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 is a vertical section taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation of the unit shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 connectedto a pair of supporting elements, with the support structures and theconnecting portions of the hydraulic cylinder shown in section.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are enlarged cross sectional views of the supportingstructures shown in section in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective of the right-hand end portion of FIG.1 with a portion of the four-bar linkage broken away to reveal themounting of the hydraulic cylinder/accumulator unit.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a first hydraulic control system foruse with the row unit of FIGS. 1-9.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a second hydraulic control system foruse with the row unit of FIGS. 1-9.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating one application of the hydrauliccontrol system of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation of a modified embodiment having thehydraulic control unit coupled to the closing wheels of the row unit;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation of a further modified embodiment having thehydraulic control unit coupled to the closing wheels of the row unit;

FIG. 15 is yet another modified embodiment having the hydraulic controlunit coupled to the closing wheels of the row unit;

FIG. 16 is a side elevation of another modified embodiment of ahydraulic control unit;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged section taken along the line 17-17 in FIG. 16;and

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic circuit in the unit ofFIGS. 16 and 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a standard configuration of a hydraulicsystem.

FIG. 20A is an exploded view of a standard configuration of a hydraulicassembly.

FIG. 20B is an assembled perspective view of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a hose connection manifold.

FIG. 22A is a top cross-sectional view of FIG. 20B.

FIG. 22B is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 20B.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of thehydraulic system of FIG. 19.

FIG. 24A is an exploded view of an alternative configuration of ahydraulic assembly.

FIG. 24B is an assembled perspective view of FIG. 24A.

FIG. 25A is a perspective view of a control manifold.

FIG. 25B is a left cross-sectional view of the control manifold of FIG.25A.

FIG. 25C is a right cross-sectional view of the control manifold of FIG.25A.

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of a hydraulic cylinder for a row unit.

FIG. 27A is a vertical section taken along line 27A-27A in FIG. 26.

FIG. 27B is an enlarged view of a ram leading area that is shown in FIG.27A.

FIG. 28A is a side elevation of a hydraulic control system withdouble-acting ram for use with a row unit.

FIG. 28B is an enlarged view illustrating a hydraulic control unit ofthe hydraulic control system of FIG. 28A.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an agricultural opener device withintegrated controller.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of a hydraulic control system havingintegrated controllers in one or more row units.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of a hydraulic control system for usewith a row unit.

FIG. 32 is a partial perspective of a linkage assembly with twoactuators for controlling a row unit.

FIG. 33 is a side illustration of the linkage assembly of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 illustrates an actuator having two energy storage devices.

FIG. 35 illustrates a tractor towing a plurality of row units havingstatus indicators.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Although the invention will be described in connection with certainpreferred embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is notlimited to those particular embodiments. On the contrary, the inventionis intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalentarrangements as may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

Turning now to the drawings, a planting row unit 10 includes afurrow-opening device for the purpose of planting seed or injectingfertilizer into the soil. In the illustrated embodiment, thefurrow-opening device is a V-opener 11 formed by a pair of conventionaltilted discs depending from the leading end of a row unit frame 12. Itwill be understood that other furrow-opening devices may be used. Aconventional elongated hollow towing frame 13 (typically hitched to atractor by a draw bar) is rigidly attached to the front frame 14 of aconventional four-bar linkage assembly 15 that is part of the row unit10. The four-bar (sometimes referred to as “parallel-bar”) linkageassembly 15 is a conventional and well known linkage used inagricultural implements to permit the raising and lowering of toolsattached thereto.

As the planting row unit 10 is advanced by the tractor, the V-opener 11penetrates the soil to form a furrow or seed slot. Other portions of therow unit 10 then deposit seed in the seed slot and fertilizer adjacentto the seed slot, and close the seed slot by distributing loosened soilinto the seed slot with a pair of closing wheels 16. A gauge wheel 17determines the planting depth for the seed and the height ofintroduction of fertilizer, etc. Bins 18 a and 18 b on the row unitcarry the chemicals and seed which are directed into the soil. Theplanting row unit 10 is urged downwardly against the soil by its ownweight, and, in addition, a hydraulic cylinder 19 is coupled between thefront frame 14 and the linkage assembly 15 to urge the row unit 11downwardly with a controllable force that can be adjusted for differentsoil conditions. The hydraulic cylinder 19 may also be used to lift therow unit off the ground for transport by a heavier, stronger,fixed-height frame that is also used to transport large quantities offertilizer for application via multiple row units.

The hydraulic cylinder 19 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 5 and 6.Pressurized hydraulic fluid from the tractor is supplied by a hose 20 toa port 21 that leads into a matching port 22 of a housing 23 that formsa cavity 24 of a hydraulic cylinder containing a ram 25. The housing 23also forms a side port 26 a that leads into cavity 26 b that contains agas-charged hydraulic accumulator 27. The lower end of the cavity 24 isformed by the top end surface of the ram 25, so that the hydraulicpressure exerted by the hydraulic fluid on the end surface of the ram 25urges the ram downwardly (as viewed in FIG. 6), with a force determinedby the pressure of the hydraulic fluid and the area of the exposed endsurface of the ram 25. The hydraulic fluid thus urges the ram 25 in anadvancing direction (see FIG. 4).

As can be seen most clearly in FIG. 9, the hydraulic cylinder 19 and theaccumulator 27 are mounted as a single unit on the front frame 14, withthe lower end of the ram 25 connected to a cross bar 30 that is joinedat one end to a vertical link 31. The upper and lower ends of the link31 are pivotably attached to upper and lower links 15 a and 15 b,respectively, on one side of the four-bar linkage 15. The other end ofthe cross bar 30 is angled upwardly and pivotably attached to the upperlink 15 c on the opposite side of the four-bar linkage 15. With thismounting arrangement, retracting movement of the ram 25 into the cavity24 tilts the linkage assembly 15 upwardly, as depicted in FIG. 3,thereby raising the row unit. Conversely, advancing movement of the ram25 tilts the linkage assembly 15 downwardly, as depicted in FIG. 4,thereby lowering the row unit.

The accumulator 27 includes a diaphragm 28 that divides the interior ofthe accumulator into a hydraulic-fluid chamber 29 a and a gas-filledchamber 29 b, e.g., filled with pressurized nitrogen. FIG. 2 shows theram 25 in a position where the diaphragm 28 is not deflected in eitherdirection, indicating that the pressures exerted on opposite sides ofthe diaphragm are substantially equal. In FIG. 3, the ram 25 has beenretracted by upward movement of the row unit, and the diaphragm 28 isdeflected downwardly by the hydraulic fluid forced into the accumulator27 by the retracting movement of the ram 25. In FIG. 4, the ram 25 hasbeen moved to its most advanced position, and the diaphragm 28 isdeflected upwardly by the air pressure as hydraulic fluid flows from theaccumulator into the cavity 24. The use of this compact hydraulicdown-force unit with an integral accumulator on each row unit providesthe advantages of quick response and remote adjustability of a hydraulicdown-force control system. If an obstruction requires quick movement,oil can flow quickly and freely between the force cylinder and theadjacent accumulator, without exerting force on other actuators in thesystem.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, advancing movement of the ram 25 is limited byengagement of stops 40, 42 on the lower links of the four-bar linkage15, with the row unit frame 12. This prevents any further advancement ofthe ram 25. Advancing movement of the ram 25 expands the size of thecavity 24 (see FIG. 4), which causes the diaphragm 28 in the accumulator27 to deflect to the position illustrated in FIG. 4 and reduce theamount of hydraulic fluid in the accumulator 27. When the ram 25 is inthis advanced position, the row unit is in its lowermost position.

In FIG. 3, the ram 25 has been withdrawn to its most retracted position,which can occur when the row unit encounters a rock or otherobstruction, for example. When the ram 25 is in this retracted position,the row unit is in its uppermost position. As can be seen in FIG. 3,retracting movement of the ram 25 is limited by engagement of stops 40,42 on the lower links of the four-bar linkage 15, with the row unitframe 12.

Retracting movement of the ram 25 reduces the volume of the cavity 24(see FIG. 3), which causes a portion of the fixed volume of hydraulicfluid in the cylinder 19 to flow into the chamber 29 a of theaccumulator 27, causing the diaphragm 28 to deflect to the positionillustrated in FIG. 3. This deflection of the diaphragm 28 into thechamber 29 b compresses the gas in that chamber. To enter the chamber 29a, the hydraulic fluid must flow through a port 32 in the top of theaccumulator 27, which limits the rate at which the hydraulic fluid flowsinto the accumulator. This controlled rate of flow of the hydraulicfluid has a damping effect on the rate at which the ram 25 retracts oradvances, thereby avoiding sudden large movements of the moving parts ofthe row unit, including the V-opener 11. This effect also minimizesvibration to improve accuracy of seed metering.

When the external obstruction causing the row unit 10 to rise iscleared, the combined effects of the pressurized gas in the accumulator27 on the diaphragm 28 and the pressure of the hydraulic fluid returnthe ram 25 to a lower position. This downward force on the V-opener 11holds it in the soil and prevents uncontrolled bouncing of the V-opener11 over irregular terrain. The downward force applied to the V-opener 11can be adjusted by changing the pressure of the hydraulic fluid suppliedto the cylinder 19.

As can be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, the single unitary housing 23 formsboth the cavity 26 b that contains the accumulator 27 and the cavity 24of the hydraulic cylinder 19 and the fluid passageway 24 that connectsthe cavity 24 of the hydraulic cylinder 19 to the cavity 27 of theaccumulator. By integrating the hydraulic cylinder 19 and theaccumulator 27 in a single housing, there is no relative motion possiblebetween the cylinder 19 and the accumulator 27, with minimal possibilityfor fluid passageways to act like orifices. The cylinder 19 and theaccumulator 27 remain in fixed positions relative to each otherregardless of the movements of the planter row unit via the linkageassembly 15. In this way the upward motion of the ram 25 that occurswhen the planter row unit rolls over an obstruction is directlyconverted into compression of the gas in the accumulator 27 withoutrestriction. It also allows the accumulator 27, which is by definitionan energy storage device, to be mounted in a fully enclosed and safehousing. The accumulator 27 can be securely mounted to avoid puncture orrapid discharge (if it comes loose), or damage from hitting another partof the implement or a foreign object. The integrated cylinder andaccumulator is also a convenient single package for installation andreplacement and minimizes the number of hydraulic hoses and adapters(potential leakage points).

FIGS. 7, 8A and 8B illustrate in more detail how the illustrativehydraulic cylinder/accumulator unit is attached to the front frame 14and the linkage assembly 15. The top of the unitary housing 23 forms astem 41 that projects upwardly through a hole 51 in a bracket 50attached to the front frame 14. The outer surface of the stem 41 isthreaded to receive a nut 52 that connects the housing 23 to the bracket50. The hole 51 is oversized and a rubber washer is installed on thestem 41 between the nut 52 and the bracket 50 to allow a limited amountof tilting movement of the housing relative to the bracket 50. At thebase of the stem 41, beneath the bracket 50, the housing 23 forms ashoulder 43 that engages a conical bearing ring 53 that also engages amating lower surface of a washer 54. Thus, the housing 23 can be tiltedrelative to the axis of the hole 51, with the shoulder 43 sliding overthe lower surface of the bearing ring 53.

A similar arrangement is provided at the lower end of the ram 25, wherea stem 60 extends downwardly through a hole 61 in the cross bar 30 thatis pivotably attached to the linkage assembly 15. A nut 62 is threadedonto the stem 60 to connect the ram to the cross bar 30. The hole 61 isoversized and a rubber washer is installed on the stem 60 between thenut 62 and the cross bar 30 to allow a limited amount of tiltingmovement of the ram 25 relative to the cross bar 30. Above the cross bar30, a flange 63 on the ram 25 forms a curved conical surface 64 thatengages a mating surface of a curved conical bearing ring 65 that alsoengages a mating upper surface of a washer 66. Thus, the ram 25 can betilted relative to the axis of the hole 61, with the flange 63 slidingover the upper surface of the bearing ring 65.

The use of a hydraulic system permits on-the-go adjustments to be madevery rapidly because the hydraulic fluid is incompressible and thereforeacts more directly than an air system. In addition, hydraulic fluidstypically operate at higher pressures, which allows greater changes inapplied forces. The accumulator 27 allows the fluid system to flex andfloat with the changing terrain and soil conditions. The accumulator 27is preferably centrally mounted so that when any single row unit movesover an obstruction, the down-pressure cylinder 19 moves to displace thehydraulic fluid along a common set of lines connecting all row units.The gas in the accumulator is compressed at the same time, allowing forisolation among the row units so that upward movement of one row unitdoes not cause downward movement of other row units. Although theillustrative hydraulic ram is single-acting, it is also possible to usea double-acting ram, or a single-acting ram in combination with a returnspring.

Another advantage of the compact hydraulic cylinder/accumulator unit isthat it can conveniently mounted to the same brackets that are providedin many row units for mounting an air bag, to control the down pressureon the row unit. For example, in FIG. 9, the brackets 50 and 51 on whichthe hydraulic cylinder/accumulator is mounted are the brackets that areoften connected to an air bag, and thus the same row unit can be usedinterchangeably with either an air bag or the hydrauliccylinder/accumulator to control the down pressure on the row unit.

FIG. 10 is a schematic of a hydraulic control system for supplyingpressurized hydraulic fluid to the cylinders 19 of multiple row units. Asource 100 of pressurized hydraulic fluid, typically located on atractor, supplies hydraulic fluid under pressure to a valve 101 viasupply line 102 and receives returned fluid through a return line 103.The valve 101 can be set by an electrical control signal S1 on line 104to deliver hydraulic fluid to an output line 105 at a desired constantpressure. The output line is connected to a manifold 106 that in turndelivers the pressurized hydraulic fluid to individual feed lines 107connected to the ports 21 of the respective hydraulic cylinders 19 ofthe individual row units. With this control system, the valve 101 isturned off, preferably by a manually controlled on/off valve V, afterall the cylinders 19 have been filled with pressurized hydraulic fluid,to maintain a fixed volume of fluid in each cylinder.

FIG. 11 is a schematic of a modified hydraulic control system thatpermits individual control of the supply of hydraulic fluid to thecylinder 19 of each separate row unit via feed lines 107 connected tothe ports 21 of the respective cylinders 19. Portions of this systemthat are common to those of the system of FIG. 10 are identified by thesame reference numbers. The difference in this system is that eachseparate feed line 107 leading to one of the row units is provided witha separate control valve 110 that receives its own separate controlsignal on a line 111 from a controller 112. This arrangement permits thesupply of pressurized hydraulic fluid to each row unit to be turned offand on at different times by the separate valve 110 for each unit, withthe times being controlled by the separate control signals supplied tothe valves 110 by the controller 112. The individual valves 110 receivepressurized hydraulic fluid via the manifold 106, and return hydraulicfluid to a sump on the tractor via separate return line 113 connected toa return manifold 114 connected back to the hydraulic system 100 of thetractor.

FIG. 12 illustrates on application for the controllable hydrauliccontrol system of FIG. 11. Modern agricultural equipment often includesGPS systems that enable the user to know precisely where a tractor islocated in real time. Thus, when a gang of planting row units 120 towedby a tractor 121 begins to cross a headland 122 in which the rows 123are not orthogonal to the main rows 124 of a field, each planting rowunit 120 can be turned off just as it enters the headland 122, to avoiddouble-planting while the tractor 121 makes a turn through the headland.With the control system of FIG. 11, the hydraulic cylinder 19 of eachrow unit can also be separately controlled to turn off the supply ofpressurized hydraulic fluid at a different time for each row unit, sothat each row unit is raised just as it enters the headland, to avoiddisrupting the rows already planted in the headland.

One benefit of the system of FIG. 11 is that as agricultural planters,seeders, fertilizer applicators, tillage equipment and the like becomewider with more row units on each frame, often 36 30-inch rows or 5420-inch rows on a single 90-foot wide toolbar, each row unit can floatvertically independently of every other row unit. Yet the following rowunits still have the down force remotely adjustable from the cab of thetractor or other selected location. This permits very efficientoperation of a wide planter or other agricultural machine in varyingterrain without having to stop to make manual adjustment to a largenumber of row units, resulting in a reduction in the number of acresplanted in a given time period. One of the most important factors inobtaining a maximum crop yield is timely planting. By permitting remotedown force adjustment of each row unit (or group of units), includingthe ability to quickly release all down force on the row unit whenapproaching a wet spot in the field, one can significantly increase theplanter productivity or acres planted per day, thereby improving yieldsand reducing costs of production.

On wide planters or other equipment, at times 90 feet wide or more andplanting at 6 mph or more forward speed, one row unit must often rise orfall quickly to clear a rock or plant into an abrupt soil depression.Any resistance to quick movement results in either gouging of the soilor an uncleared portion of the field and reduced yield. With the rowunit having its own hydraulic accumulator, the hydraulic cylinder canmove quickly and with a nearly constant down force. Oil displaced by orrequired by quick movement of the ram is quickly moved into or out ofthe closely mounted accumulator which is an integral part of each rowunit. The accumulator diaphragm or piston supplies or accepts fluid asrequired at a relatively constant pressure and down force as selectedmanually or automatically by the hydraulic control system. By followingthe soil profile closely and leaving a more uniform surface, thetoolbar-frame-mounted row unit permits the planter row unit followingindependently behind to use less down force for its function, resultingin more uniform seed depth control and more uniform seedling emergence.More uniform seedling stands usually result in higher yields than lessuniform seedling stands produced by planters with less accurate rowcleaner ground following.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate modified embodiments in which the hydrauliccylinder 200 urges the closing wheels 16 downwardly with a controllableforce that can be adjusted for different conditions. Referring first toFIG. 13, pressurized hydraulic fluid from the tractor is supplied by ahose 201 to a port 202 of a housing 203 that forms a cavity of ahydraulic cylinder 204 containing a ram 205. The housing 203 also formsa side port 206 that leads into a cavity 207 that contains a gas-chargedhydraulic accumulator 208. The lower end of the cavity 204 is formed bythe top end surface of the ram 205, so that the hydraulic pressureexerted by the hydraulic fluid on the end surface of the ram 205 urgesthe ram downwardly (as viewed in FIG. 13), with a force determined bythe pressure of the hydraulic fluid and the area of the exposed endsurface of the ram 205. The hydraulic fluid thus urges the ram 205 in adownward direction.

The hydraulic cylinder 204 and the accumulator 208 are pivotably mountedas a single unit on the row unit frame 210, with the lower end of theram 205 pivotably connected to a linkage 211 that carries the closingwheels 16. With this mounting arrangement, advancing movement of the ram205 in the cylinder 204 tilts the linkage 211 downwardly, thereby urgingthe closing wheels 16 downwardly. Conversely, retracting movement of theram 205 tilts the linkage 211 upwardly, thereby raising the closingwheels 16.

FIG. 14 illustrates an arrangement similar to FIG. 13 except that thehydraulic cylinder 204 is charged with a pressurized gas in chamber 212on the side of the ram 205 that is not exposed to the pressurized fluidfrom the hose 201. Thus, as the ram 205 is retracted by increasing thehydraulic pressure on one side of the ram, the gas on the other side ofthe ram is compressed and thus increases the resistance to retractingmovement of the ram. The hydraulic cylinder 204 is positioned such thatadvancing movement of the ram 205 in the cylinder 204 tilts the linkage211 upwardly, thereby raising the closing wheels 16. Conversely,retracting movement of the ram 205 tilts the linkage 211 downwardly,thereby urging the closing wheels 16 downwardly with an increased force.To increase the downward pressure on the closing wheels 16, thehydraulic pressure must overcome the gas pressure that increases as theram 205 is retracted, but upward movement of the closing wheels (e.g.,when an obstruction is encountered) requires only that the ram beadvanced with sufficient pressure to overcome that of the hydraulicfluid.

In FIG. 15, the arrangement is the same as in FIG. 14, but the hydrauliccontrol unit has an added biasing element 220 on the side of the ram 205that is not exposed to the pressurized hydraulic fluid. This biasingelement 220 may be in addition to, or in place of, pressurized gas inthe hydraulic cylinder 204. The biasing element 220 may be formed byvarious types of mechanical springs, such as a compressed coil spring,or may be pressurized air, nitrogen or other gas.

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate a modified hydraulic control unit that includes ahydraulic cylinder 300 containing a ram 301 that can be coupled at itslower end to a device on which the down pressure is to be controlled.Pressurized hydraulic fluid is supplied to the upper end of the cylinder301 through a port 304. The cylinder 300 includes a side port 302leading to an accumulator 303 of the type described above in connectionwith FIGS. 5 and 6. The entry port 305 to the accumulator 303 isequipped with a check valve 306 and restriction 307 as illustrated inFIG. 18. When the ram 301 is in a lowered position that opens the port302, and is moved upwardly by an upward force applied by engagement ofthe controlled device with a rock or other obstruction, hydraulic fluidflows from the cylinder 300 into the accumulator 303 via the restriction307. The restriction acts as a damper to reduce the shock on theequipment and avoid excessive upward movement of the ram 301. When theupward force on the ram has been removed, hydraulic fluid flows from theaccumulator back into the cylinder 300 via the check valve 306, whichallows unrestricted flow in this direction so that the controlled devicequickly re-engages the ground with the down pressure exerted by thehydraulic fluid on the upper end of the ram 301. The check valve unitcan be easily installed in the accumulator entry port 305. Additionally,the check valve unit can have an orifice system that is bidirectionalfor damping motion, both in and out.

The term row unit refers to a unit that is attached to a towing frame ina way that permits the unit to move vertically relative to the towingframe and other units attached to that same towing frame. Most row unitsare equipped to form, plant and close a single seed furrow, but rowunits are also made to form, plant and close two or more adjacent seedfurrows.

Referring to FIG. 19, a hydraulic system 400 includes a hydraulicassembly 401, a front frame 404, and a four-bar linkage assembly 406.The four-bar linkage assembly 406 is generally similar to the four-barlinkage assembly 15 described above in reference to FIGS. 1-9. Thefour-bar linkage assembly 406 includes a pair of parallel lower links408 a, 408 b, a pair of parallel upper links 410 a, 410 b, and a crossbar 412. The hydraulic assembly 401 is rigidly attached to the four-barlinkage assembly 406 on a row-unit side, and the front frame 404 ispivotably attached to the four-bar linkage assembly 406 on a towingside.

The hydraulic assembly 401 includes a hydraulic cylinder 402, anaccumulator protective cover 420, and a hose connection manifold 424.The hydraulic cylinder 402 is generally similar to the hydrauliccylinders 19, 204 described above in reference to FIGS. 1-9 and 13-18,and includes an upper end 413 a and a lower end 413 b. The upper end ismounted to a bracket 414 of the linkage assembly 406, and the lower end413 b is mounted to the cross bar 412 of the linkage assembly 406. Agland and securing nut 418 (with internal seals) is interposed at thelower end 413 b between the hydraulic cylinder 402 and the cross bar412.

The accumulator protective cover 420 is mounted adjacent to and betweena left upper link 410 b and the hydraulic cylinder 402. The accumulatorprotective cover 420 shields from environmental contaminants andphysical damage an accumulator 422 (shown in FIG. 20A). In addition toprotecting the accumulator 422, the accumulator protective cover 420itself is provided with protection from physical damage, e.g., caused bydebris, rocks, etc., by being located between the pair of upper links410 a, 410 b. Although the upper links 410, 410 b do not completelyshield the accumulator protective cover 420, the upper links 410, 410 bprovide some protection from physical damage while, simultaneously,allowing ease of access for servicing and/or replacing the accumulator422.

The hose connection manifold 424, which is described in more detailbelow in reference to FIG. 21, is mounted adjacent to and between aright upper link 410 a and the hydraulic cylinder 402. The hoseconnection manifold 424 is configured such that it does not interferewith any of the other components of the hydraulic system 400, includingthe right upper link 410 a, the hydraulic cylinder 402, and theaccumulator protective cover 420. The hose connection manifold 424 iscoupled at a distal end to a pair of hydraulic fluid hoses, including aninlet hose 426 and an outlet hose 428. Assuming a configuration in whicha plurality of units are arranged in a parallel (or side-by-side)configuration, the inlet hose 426 receives and delivers hydraulic fluidfrom an adjacent row unit, and the outlet hose 428 connects to anotheradjacent row unit.

The attachment of the hoses 426, 428 to the hose connection manifold424, in a position that is spaced away from the relativelymore-cluttered area of the hydraulic cylinder 402 and bracket 414,facilitates easy field servicing of the hoses 426, 428. For example, auser can easily couple/uncouple the hoses 426, 428 to/from the hoseconnection manifold 424 by having a clear path directly to the hoseconnection manifold 424.

Referring to FIGS. 20A and 20B, the accumulator protective cover 420includes a right cover 420 a and a left cover 420 b that are fastened toeach other via a plurality of small nuts 434 and bolts 436. Enclosedwithin the accumulator protective cover 420 is the accumulator 422,which has an accumulator end 430 that is inserted into a accumulatorreceiver 432 of the hydraulic cylinder 402. The accumulator receiver 432extends from a main body 433 of the hydraulic cylinder 402 a sufficientdistance to permit the mounting of the accumulator protective cover 420without interfering with the hose connection manifold 424 (as furtherillustrated in FIG. 22A).

The main body 433 of the hydraulic cylinder 402 receives a spherical rod438 for axial mounting below the accumulator receiver 432. The gland 418is threaded into the hydraulic cylinder 402 after the spherical rod 438is installed on the hydraulic cylinder 402. The gland 418 containsinternal seals and wear rings to hold pressure and seal outcontaminants.

The hydraulic cylinder 402 further includes a mounting interface 440extending from the main body 433 in an opposite direction relative tothe accumulator receiver 432. The hose connection manifold 424 ismounted directly to the mounting interface 440 via a plurality of longbolts 442 that are received, respectively, in a plurality of threadedholes 444. An O-ring seal 441 is positioned between the control manifold424 and the hydraulic cylinder 402 to prevent leakage of hydraulicfluid. The hose connection manifold 424 has a mounting face 456 (shownin FIG. 21) that is aligned, when mounted, in contact with a receivingface 443 of the mounting interface 440. As illustrated in the exemplaryembodiment, the mounting face 456 of the hose connection manifold 424and the receiving face 443 of the mounting interface 440 are configuredsuch that they are complementary mating faces with the O-ring seal 441holding pressure between the components.

The mounting interface 440 further facilitates a modular exchangebetween hose connection manifolds of different types. In the currentillustration, the hose connection manifold 424 is an example of astandard configuration in which the manifold functions solely to attachhydraulic hoses and to circulate hydraulic fluid between the hydraulicsource and the hydraulic cylinder 402. In an alternative configuration,described in more detail below in reference to FIGS. 23-25C, the samemounting interface 440 (without reliance on additional components ortools) is used to attached a manifold of a different type. This modularexchange between different manifold types is beneficial for quick andeasy replacement of the manifolds based on current planting needs, whichcan quickly change in real time due to weather conditions, terrainconditions, etc.

A pair of hose ends 446, 448 are attached to the hose connectionmanifold 424 at a distal end 450 for coupling the inlet and outlet hoses426, 428. Specifically, an inlet hose-end 446 is coupled to the inlethose 426 and an outlet hose-end 446 is coupled to the outlet hose 428.The hose ends 446, 448 are attached to the distal end 450 in a generallyparallel configuration relative to a central axis of the hydrauliccylinder 402. As discussed above, the attachment configuration of thehose ends 446, 448 to the hose connection manifold 424 facilitates easyaccess and servicing of the inlet and outlet hoses 426, 428.

Referring to FIG. 21, the hose connection manifold 424 is a valve-lessmanifold that lacks a control valve or a control module (in contrast tothe integrated control manifold 524 discussed below in reference toFIGS. 23-25C). The hose connection manifold 424 has a mounting end 452that is separated from the distal end 450 by a manifold arm 454. Themanifold arm 454 includes a curved section that offsets the mountingface 456 of the mounting end 452 by a distance D from an exteriorsurface 466 of the distal end 450. The offset distance D is helpful inminimizing space requirements for mounting the hose connection manifold424 within the space defined by the upper links 410, 410 b of thelinkage assembly 406. The manifold arm 454 is positioned generallyparallel to the accumulator 422.

The mounting face 456 includes a plurality of mounting holes 458arranged in a concentric pattern around a central hydraulic hole 459,through which hydraulic fluid is delivered to the hydraulic cylinder402. The pattern of the mounting holes 458 matches a pattern of thethreaded holes 444 of the mounting interface 440. When the hoseconnection manifold 424 is mounted to the hydraulic cylinder 402, thelong bolts 442 are received through the mounting holes 458.

The hydraulic hole 459 is internally connected to an inlet port 460 andan outlet port 462 via an internal channel 464 (illustrated in FIG.22A). The inlet port 460 is adapted to receive the inlet hose-end 446,to which the inlet hose 426 is coupled, and the outlet port 462 isadapted to receive the outlet hose-end 446, to which the outlet hose 428is coupled. The inlet and outlet ports 460, 462 are aligned with acentral axis of the internal channel 464 and are oriented perpendicularto the orientation of the hydraulic hole 459. Additionally, the spacingbetween the inlet port 460 and the outlet port 462 facilitates parallelcoupling of the two hose ends 446, 448 adjacent to each other.

Referring to FIGS. 22A and 22B, the configuration of the hydraulicassembly 401 facilitates delivery of hydraulic fluid to the hydrauliccylinder 402 in a relatively space-constrained environment while stillproviding easy access to main components, including the accumulator 422and the hose connection manifold 424, for service and replacement. Forexample, referring specifically to FIG. 22A, hydraulic fluid circulatesunrestricted between the hose connection manifold 424, the hydrauliccylinder 402, and the accumulator 422 via the internal channel 464. Thegeometric configuration of the hose connection manifold 424 facilitatesmounting the accumulator protective cover 420 close to the distal end450 of the hose connection manifold 424 at a relatively small distanceZ, thus minimizing required mounting space, without causing interferencebetween the hose connection manifold 424 and the accumulator protectivecover 420.

In addition to the offset distance D, the distal end 450 is furtherdefined by a distance X that separates two extreme points of a centralaxis of the internal channel 464. Specifically, distance X is defined bya point of the central axis near the distal end 450 and a point of thecentral axis near the mounting end 452. Although the offsetting of thetwo ends 450, 452 does not impact the flow of hydraulic fluid, theoffsetting helps increase clearance space between the hose connectionmanifold 424 and the linkage assembly 406.

Referring more specifically to FIG. 22B, the inlet hose 426 and theoutlet hose 428 can be easily and quickly removed, in the field, basedat least on their parallel upward attachment to the hose connectionmanifold 424. Optionally, the inlet hose 426 and the outlet hose 428 canbe daisy chained when using a typical side-by-side arrangement of rowunits. For example, in one illustrative example, a first row unit isconnected directly to the hydraulic source via its inlet hose anddirectly to the inlet port of an adjacent second row unit via its outlethose. Thus, the second row unit receives hydraulic fluid, indirectly,from the hydraulic source via the first row unit. The second row unit,is further daisy chained to an adjacent third row unit such that theoutlet hose of the second row unit is directly connected to the inletport of the third row unit. This type of daisy-chain configuration cancontinue with dozens of row units. To change the configuration to astandard hose routing, one of the two ports 460, 462 is plugged and atee is placed in front of the row unit such that a single hose isconnected to the hydraulic cylinder 402.

Referring to FIG. 23, in an alternative configuration of the hydraulicsystem 400 the hose connection manifold 424 has been replaced with theintegrated control manifold 524 that includes both an electronic controlmodule 525 and a connection manifold 527 (both shown in FIGS. 24A and24B). The control manifold 524 is configured to fit within the upperlinks 410 a, 410 b next to the accumulator protective cover 420, similarto the hose connection manifold 424. Thus, similarly to the hoseconnection manifold 424, the control manifold 524 does not interferewith any components of the hydraulic system 400. Additionally, easyaccess is provided for a user to couple/uncouple the inlet and outlethoses 426, 428 to/from the control manifold 524. The control manifold524 is further connected to a control signal wire 529 for receivingcontrol signals from a central processing unit.

One benefit of the control manifold 524 is that each row unit of aplurality of adjacent row units (in a side-by-side arrangement of rowunits) has its own pressure control valve. Assuming that the controlmanifold 524 is mounted in each of the plurality of row units, the downpressure in each row unit can be individually controlled. To achieveindividual control, both the inlet hose 426 and the outlet hose 428 ofeach row unit are connected to the hydraulic source in parallel. Forexample, the inlet hose of a first row unit is connected to the tractorfor supplying constant pressure to the first row unit, and the outlethose of the first row unit is also connected to the tractor forreturning hydraulic fluid from the first row unit. Similarly, the inlethose of a second row unit is connected to the tractor for supplyingconstant pressure to the second row unit, and the outlet hose of thesecond row unit is also connected to the tractor for returning hydraulicfluid from the second row unit. According to this example, the pressurein the first and second row units can be independently controlled.

Referring to FIGS. 24A-24B, the control manifold 524 is mounted to thehydraulic cylinder 402 using the same long bolts 442, which are fastenedto the threaded holes 444. The control manifold 524 has a mating face556 (shown in FIGS. 25A-25C) that is generally similar (if notidentical) to the mating face 456 of the hose connection manifold 424.The mating face 556 is configured as a mating face for facilitatingattachment of the control module 524 to the mounting interface 440(similar to the attachment of the hose connection manifold 424 to themounting interface 440). An O-ring seal 541 is positioned between thecontrol manifold 524 and the hydraulic cylinder 402 to prevent leakageof hydraulic fluid.

The hose ends 446, 448 are received in respective inlet and outlet ports560, 562 for facilitating coupling of the hoses 426, 428 to the controlmodule 542. In contrast to the inlet and outlet ports 460, 462 of thehose connection manifold 424, the inlet and outlet ports 560, 562 of thecontrol manifold 524 are oriented perpendicular to (not parallel to) thecentral axis of the hydraulic cylinder 402. Nevertheless, a user canstill reach with relative ease the connection between hoses 426, 428 andthe ports 560, 562 for service-related needs.

The control module 525 includes a hydraulic valve cartridge 531 forreducing and/or relieving pressure in hydraulic cylinder 402. The valvecartridge 531 is enclosed within the control module 525 and has one endinserted in a cartridge port 533 of the connection manifold 527. Inresponse to receiving a control signal, via the control signal wire 529and the electrical connector 537, the valve cartridge 531 reducespressure in the hydraulic cylinder 402 and, optionally, acts as a reliefvalve relieving any shocks or surges that may occur between thehydraulic source and the hydraulic cylinder 402. The control module 525optionally includes a pressure transducer 535 and/or other embeddedelectronics.

For ease of access, an integrated electronic connector 537 of thecontrol module 525 is positioned above the valve cartridge 531 forreceiving electrical power via an electrical cable (not shown). Theelectronic connector 537 is angled towards the accumulator protectivecover 420 to provide sufficient space for connecting all the requiredcables and hoses to the control module 525, e.g., the inlet and outlethoses 426, 428, the control signal wire 529, and the electrical cable.

Referring to FIGS. 25A-25C, the connection manifold 527 is configured tofacilitate the integral combination with the control module 525. Forexample, the connection manifold 527 has a mounting face 556 that isaligned, when mounted with the receiving face 443 of the mountinginterface 440. The mounting face 556 of the connection manifold 527 isgenerally similar (if not identical) to the mounting face 456 of thehose connection manifold 424. For example, the mounting face 556includes a plurality of mounting holes 558 arranged in a concentricpattern around a central hydraulic hole 559, through which hydraulicfluid is delivered to the hydraulic cylinder 402. The pattern of themounting holes 558 matches a pattern of the threaded holes 444 of themounting interface 440. When the connection manifold 527 is mounted tothe hydraulic cylinder 402, the long bolts 442 are received through themounting holes 558.

The hydraulic hole 559 is internally connected to the inlet port 560,the outlet port 562, the cartridge port 533, and a transducer port 539.In contrast to the hose connection manifold 424, the connection manifold527 includes the additional cartridge port 533 for coupling to the valvecartridge 531 (which controls output of fluid pressure from thehydraulic cylinder 402) and the transducer port 539 for coupling to thepressure transducer 535. The ports are positioned along a control face541, which is generally perpendicular to the mounting face 556. Thus,although the connection manifold 527 and the hose connection manifold424 share some similarities (e.g., sharing the modular mountinginterface 440), they are different in type at least based on theconnection manifold 527 being configured geometrically to facilitate theintegration with the control module 525.

Referring generally to FIGS. 26-27B, a hydraulic cylinder 619 and energystorage device 627 are generally similar to the hydraulic cylinder 19and accumulator 27 described and illustrated above in reference to FIGS.5 and 6. Referring specifically to FIG. 27A, a single unitary housing623 forms a cavity 624 in which the hydraulic cylinder 619 and theenergy storage device 627 are enclosed, at least in part. The hydrauliccylinder 619 contains a ram 625 that advances towards a housing port 622or retracts towards a stem 660.

Referring specifically to FIG. 27B, the ram 625 has a leading edge 650near which a wear ring 652 is mounted. The wear ring 652 is mounted onthe ram 625 concentric with a central axis Z of the ram 625 and inphysical contact (or close to being in physical contact) with a cylinderwall 654. The wear ring 652 can be a seal or some other component thatcan provide a barrier zone between the ram 625 and the cylinder wall654. The wear ring 652 can have a cylindrical cross-sectional profile(as illustrated in FIG. 27B) or any other cross-sectional profile.

The wear ring 652 guides the ram 625 within the cylinder wall 654 of thehydraulic cylinder 619, absorbing transverse forces. The wear ring 652further prevents (or reduces) metal-to-metal contact between the ram 625and the cylinder wall 654 and, thus, optimizes the performance of thehydraulic cylinder 619. As such, one benefit of the wear ring 652 isthat it prevents or reduces wear of the ram 625 due to frictionalcontact with the cylinder wall 654. Another benefit of the wear ring 652is that it tends to act as a seal component (although not necessarilyspecifically intended to be a seal component). For example, especiallyduring high-speed movement of the ram 625, tight tolerances between theram 625 and the cylinder wall 654 help achieve a sealing function thatprevents, or greatly reduces, undesired fluid flow between the ram 625and the cylinder wall 654. According to one example, the tighttolerances can range between 0.01 inches and 0.03 inches.

The ram 625 further includes a plurality of intersecting internalpassageways, including an axial passageway 660 and a radial passageway662. The axial passageway 660 starts at the leading edge 650 andcontinues partially within the ram 624, along the central axis Z, untilit intersects with the radial passageway 662. The radial passageway 662extends perpendicular to the central axis Z between the central axis Zand a peripheral wall of the ram 625.

Similar to a shock absorber, the internal passageways 660, 662 provide adampening feature to the hydraulic cylinder 610. Specifically, theinternal passageways 660, 662 equalize pressure on either side of thewear ring 652 (which tends to act as a seal at high-speed ramvelocities). While the hydraulic cylinder 619 is intended to generatepressure, the internal passageways 660, 662 integrate into the hydrauliccylinder 619 damping to control unwanted movement and or pressure. Assuch, the internal passageway 660, 662 are helpful in preventing damageto the hydraulic cylinder 619 by controlling the damping of thehydraulic cylinder 619. Optionally, in addition to acting as orificesfor controlling damping, the internal passageways 660, 662 can be usedfor mounting check valves to the ram 625. The check valves can furthercontrol the damping in the hydraulic cylinder 619. Accordingly, theinternal passageways 660, 662 provide a hydraulic cylinder with anintegrated damping-control system.

Referring to FIGS. 28A and 28B, a planting row unit 710 is generallysimilar to the planting row unit 10 described above. The planting rowunit 710 includes a V-opener 711, a row unit frame 712, a pair ofclosing wheels 716, and a gauge wheel 717 that are assembled andfunction similarly to the similarly numbered components of the plantingrow unit 10. The planting row unit 710 also includes a hydrauliccylinder 700 that urges the closing wheels 716 downwardly with acontrollable force that can be adjusted for different conditions.

The hydraulic cylinder 700 includes a double-acting ram 705 (whichfurther exemplifies the double-acting ram embodiment identified above inreference to the ram 25) that can move in opposing directions based onfluid pressure received from either a first hose 701 a or a second hose701 b. As such, hydraulic fluid is received via the hoses 701 a, 701 bto act alternately on both sides of the double-acting ram 705 and,consequently, apply alternate pressure in both directions of arrowsA-A′. The hydraulic cylinder 700 can, optionally, further includes abiasing element 720 (e.g., mechanical spring, compressed coil spring,pressurized gas) to further add pressure in addition to the pressureprovided by the double-acting ram 705. The biasing element 720 can beadded on either side of the double-acting ram 705.

One benefit of the double-acting ram 705 is that it can provide bothdown pressure or up pressure, as needed, for the planting row unit 710.For example, if additional pressure is required to cause the V-opener711 to penetrate the soil to a required depth, down pressure would beapplied. If, for example, the planting row unit 710 is too heavy and theV-opener 711 penetrates the soil in excess of the required depth, thenup pressure would be applied (without requiring an additional hydrauliccylinder).

Referring to FIG. 29, a disk opener 800 is adapted for attachment to arow unit, such as planting row unit 10 described above in reference toFIG. 1. The disk opener 800 includes a support 802 to which a swing arm804 is mounted for attaching a disk 806 and a gauge wheel 808. The disk806 penetrates the soil to a planting depth for forming a furrow or seedslot, as the row unit is advanced by a tractor or other towing vehicle.The gauge wheel 808 determines the planting depth for seeds and/orheight of introduction of fertilizer.

The disk opener 800 further includes a down-pressure cylinder 810, withan integrated control valve 812, that is mounted to a bracket 814. Thedown-pressure cylinder 810 is generally similar to the hydrauliccylinder 402 (e.g., illustrated in FIG. 19) and the integrated controlvalve 812 is generally similar to the control module 525 (e.g.,illustrated in FIG. 24A). The control valve 812 includes a solenoid 816that is generally similar to the electronic connector 537 (e.g.,illustrated in FIG. 24A).

In addition, the disk opener 800 includes a programmable-logiccontroller (PLC) or other computer control unit 818 that is also mountedto the bracket 814. Optionally, the control unit 818 is directlyintegrated into the control valve 812, e.g., into the solenoid 816.According to this optional embodiment, the control unit 818 would begenerally similar to the embedded electronics integrated with anddescribed above in reference to the control module 525. The control unit818 is coupled to a power supply via a control wire 820 and to thecontrol valve 812 via a valve wire 822. The control wire 820 optionallyfunctions to connect the control unit 818 with a control interface suchas found in a tractor.

An advantage of mounting the control unit 818 to the row unit, via thedisk opener 800, is that it provides better, and specific, control overthe control valve 812. As such, for example, each row unit in anarrangement having a plurality of side-by-side row units (such asillustrated below in FIG. 30) can be individually controlled to apply adesired down pressure specific to the corresponding row unit. Thus, thecontrol unit 818 runs a control algorithm that takes inputs anddetermines an output signal for the control valve 812.

Referring to FIG. 30, a hydraulic control system supplies pressurizedhydraulic fluid to cylinders of multiple row units. A source 900 ofpressurized hydraulic fluid, typically located on a tractor, supplieshydraulic fluid under pressure to an optional main valve 901 via asupply line 902 and receives returned fluid through a return line 903.The main valve 901 can be set by an electrical control signal S1 on line904 to deliver hydraulic fluid to an output line 905 at a desiredconstant pressure. The output line 905 is connected to a manifold 906that, in turn, delivers the pressurized hydraulic fluid to individualfeed lines 907 (which are connected to ports of respective hydrauliccylinders of the individual row units). Optionally, the main valve 901is turned off after all cylinders have been filled with pressurizedhydraulic fluid to maintain a fixed volume of fluid in each cylinder.

Each of the individual feed lines 907 leads to one of the row units andis provided with a separate control valve 910 that receives its ownseparate control signal on a line 911 from a respective controller 912(which is integrated in the respective row unit as described above inreference to FIGS. 24A and 30). The separate control valve 910 isprovided in addition to or instead of the valve 901. This arrangementpermits the supply of pressurized hydraulic fluid to each row unit to beturned off and on at different times by the separate control valve 910for each row unit, with the times being controlled by the separatecontrol signals supplied to the valves 910 by the respective controllers912. The individual valves 910 receive pressurized hydraulic fluid viathe manifold 906, and return hydraulic fluid to the tractor via separatereturn lines 913 connected to a return manifold 914, which is connectedback to the hydraulic system 900 of the tractor. Optionally, one or moreof the individual integrated controllers 912 are connected to a maincontroller 915 that provides control input for at least one of theintegrated controllers 912.

Referring to FIG. 31, an alternative configuration is illustrated inreference to the hydraulic control system described above in FIG. 30.The alternative configuration includes a tractor 950 that generateshydraulic auxiliary power bifurcated into two power subsets: a tractorhydraulic system (THS) 952 and a tractor power take-off (PTO) 954. Thetractor hydraulic system 952 is coupled to a hydraulically-drivenelectrical generator 956 for generating electricity for row unitcomponents such as the control valves 910 and/or other control modules(e.g., controllers 912, 915). The tractor PTO 954 is mechanical powerthat runs a hydraulic pump 958 to provide mechanical power for row unitcomponents such as hydraulic cylinders connected to the individual feedlines 907.

Providing both the hydraulic system 952 and the tractor PTO 954 helpsprovide additional electrical power for electrical components thatpreviously were not included in an agricultural system. For example,adding controllers 912, 915 and control valves 910 to each row unitresults in an increased need of electrical power relative toagricultural systems that, for example, lacked individual row-unitcontrol. The electrical generator 956 compensates for and provides therequired increased electricity.

Referring to FIGS. 32 and 33, a hydraulic cylinder system includes twohydraulic cylinders 1019 a, 1019 b, instead of a single actuator asdescribed above in reference to the hydraulic cylinder 19 (which isillustrated, for example, in FIG. 9). Each of the hydraulic cylinders1019 a, 1019 b is generally similar to the hydraulic cylinder 19.However, instead of coupling the single hydraulic cylinder 19 between afront frame and a linkage assembly, this alternative embodimentillustrates coupling the two hydraulic cylinders 1019 a, 1019 b betweena front frame 1014 and a linkage assembly 1015.

The hydraulic cylinders 1019 a, 1019 b are both mounted at one end to across bar 1030, which has been modified in this illustrative embodimentand relative to the cross bar 30 of FIG. 9 to have generally a Z-shape.Specifically, a first hydraulic cylinder 1019 a is mounted such that itcan apply down pressure D to the row unit and a second hydrauliccylinder 1019 b is mounted such that it can apply up pressure U to therow unit.

One advantage of having two cylinders 1019 a, 1019 b is that the rowunit can be controlled both up and down with more precision. Forexample, the controlled row unit may have a heavy weight that results ina furrow depth exceeding the desired planting depth. To counter theweight, the second hydraulic cylinder 1019 b is used to raise the rowunit such that the shallower depth is achieved. As such, the secondhydraulic cylinder 1019 b acts to subtract (or counter) at least some ofthe row-unit weight. If the row unit has a light weight that results ina shallower depth than desired, the first hydraulic cylinder 1019 a isused to lower the row unit such that the deeper depth is achieved. Assuch, the first hydraulic cylinder 1019 a acts to artificially addweight to the row unit.

Referring to FIG. 34, a hydraulic cylinder 1119 includes two storageenergy devices, which are illustrated in the form of a first accumulator1127 a and a second accumulator 1127 b. Each of the two accumulators1127 a, 1127 b is generally similar to the accumulator 27 (illustrated,for example, in FIG. 6). The hydraulic cylinder 1119 includes a ram 1125that acts similar to the double-acting ram 705 illustrated in FIGS. 28Aand 28B. The ram 1125 can provide both down pressure or up pressure, asneeded, for a planting row unit (e.g., planting row unit 710). Theaccumulators 1127 a, 1127 b act as shock absorbers to help relievepressure based on the direction of the applied pressure by thedouble-acting ram 1125. For example, the first accumulator 1127 arelieves pressure when the double-acting ram 1125 applies pressure in afirst direction D1 (e.g., down pressure), and the second accumulator1127 b relieves pressure when the double-acting ram 1125 appliespressure in a second direction D2 (e.g., up pressure).

The use of this hydraulic cylinder 1119, as a compact hydraulicdown-force unit with integral accumulators 1127 a, 1127 b on each rowunit, provides the advantages of quick response and remote adjustabilityof a hydraulic down-force and up-force control system. If an obstructionrequires quick movement, oil can flow quickly and freely between theforce cylinder 1119 and the respective adjacent accumulator 1127 a, 1127b, without exerting force on other actuators in the system.

Referring to FIG. 35, a controllable hydraulic control system 1200includes a plurality of row units 1202 that are towed by a vehicle 1204through a field. Each of the row units 1202 includes a status indicator1206 for signaling performance-related issues. According to one example,the status indicators 1206 are light-emitting diodes (LED) that providea easily discernable way to visually inspect the performance of the rowunits 1202. For example, the LED status indicators 1206 can flash a redcolor R to indicate improper tilling or a malfunction. If everythingperforms as intended, the status indicators 1206 can flash a green colorG.

The status indicator 1206 can be a single (larger) LED or a plurality ofLEDs of various sizes. Alternatively, the status indicator 1206 caninclude in addition to or instead of the LED an audible indicator tosignal a malfunction or other condition of the system 1200.

Optionally, the status indicators 1206 can be integrated with controlelectronics of the row units 1202 (e.g., control module 525 illustratedin FIG. 23) and can provide a status-check of the electronics. Thus, thestatus indicators 1206 are attached to each individual row unit 1202 toprovide a person that is far away from the row units 1202 a quick visualcheck on the performance status of the system 1200, including theperformance status of an electronics controller.

In another example, the status indicators 1206 are particularly helpfulin a system 1200 that is a human-less farming system. The human-lessfarming system is a system in which robotic machines are moving about inthe field to perform tilling, planting, and/or other agriculturalfunctions. Such a system is monitored by a farm manager that isstanding, for example, a quarter-mile away from the system. The statusindicators 1206 provide the farm manager with quick and easy visualsignals that indicate the performance of the system.

Optionally, the system 1200 further emits a wireless signal 1208 forcommunicating status performance to an online monitoring system. Theperformance of the system 1200 can be, then, evaluated using anelectronic device such as a smartphone.

It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the invention is notlimited to the details of the foregoing illustrated embodiments and thatthe present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. The presentembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription, and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

1. An agricultural row unit comprising: an attachment frame adapted tobe rigidly connected to a towing frame; a linkage assembly pivotablycoupled to the attachment frame to permit vertical pivoting movement ofthe linkage assembly relative to the attachment frame; a hydrauliccylinder coupled to the linkage assembly for urging the linkage assemblydownwardly toward the soil; and a hose connection manifold mountedadjacent to the hydraulic cylinder for circulating hydraulic fluidbetween a hydraulic source and the hydraulic cylinder, the hoseconnection manifold having a plurality of ports including an inlet port,an outlet port, and a valve port, the inlet port being adapted toreceive an inlet hose, the outlet port being adapted to receive anoutlet hose, the valve port being adapted to receive an end of ahydraulic control valve.
 2. The agricultural row unit of claim 1,wherein the hydraulic control valve is a hydraulic cartridge valveattached to a control module.
 3. The agricultural row unit of claim 2,wherein the control module includes one or more of a pressuretransducer, embedded electronics, and an electronic connector.
 4. Theagricultural row unit of claim 1, wherein hydraulic control valve isremovably connected to the hose connection manifold via the valve port.5. The agricultural row unit of claim 1, wherein at least one of theplurality of ports is plugged.
 6. The agricultural row unit of claim 1,further comprising an accumulator enclosed at least in part within aprotective cover and mounted to the hydraulic cylinder, the protectivecover having a central axis parallel to a central axis of the valveport.
 7. The agricultural row unit of claim 6, wherein the central axisof the valve port is perpendicular to a central axis of the hydrauliccylinder.
 8. The agricultural row unit of claim 1, wherein the inletport receives a first end of the inlet hose, a second end of the inlethose being connected to the hydraulic source.
 9. The agricultural rowunit of claim 1, wherein the inlet port receives a first end of theinlet hose, a second end of the inlet hose being connected to thehydraulic source, the outlet port receiving a first end of the outlethose, a second end of the outlet hose being connected to an adjacent rowunit.
 10. An agricultural system, comprising: a hydraulic source forsupplying pressurized hydraulic fluid; a towing frame attachable to atowing vehicle; a first row unit attached to the towing frame andincluding a a first hydraulic cylinder for urging the first row unitdownwardly toward the soil, and a first hose connection manifold mountedadjacent the first hydraulic cylinder for circulating hydraulic fluidbetween the hydraulic source and the first hydraulic cylinder, the firsthose connection manifold being a valve-less manifold; and a second rowunit attached to the towing frame and including a a second hydrauliccylinder for urging the second row unit downwardly toward the soil, anda second hose connection manifold mounted adjacent the second hydrauliccylinder for circulating hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic sourceand the second hydraulic cylinder, the second hose connection manifoldincluding a hydraulic control valve.
 11. The agricultural system ofclaim 10, wherein at least one of the first hose connection manifold andthe second hose connection manifold receives hydraulic fluid directlyfrom the hydraulic source.
 12. The agricultural system of claim 10,wherein at least one of the first hose connection manifold and thesecond hose connection manifold received hydraulic fluid indirectly fromthe hydraulic source, via a respective adjacent row unit.
 13. Theagricultural system of claim 10, wherein each of the first hoseconnection manifold and the second hose connection manifold has aplurality of ports including one or more of an inlet port, an outletport, and a valve port.
 14. The agricultural system of claim 13, whereinthe hydraulic control valve has an end received within the valve port.15. The agricultural system of claim 13, wherein the hydraulic controlvalve is removably received within the valve port.
 16. The agriculturalsystem of claim 13, wherein at least one of the plurality of ports isplugged.
 17. The agricultural system of claim 10, wherein the hydrauliccontrol valve is a hydraulic cartridge valve attached to a controlmodule.
 18. The agricultural system of claim 17, wherein the controlmodule includes one or more of a pressure transducer, embeddedelectronics, and an electronic connector.